She was the daughter of Christopher Hetzel and Jennie “Kelly” Hetzel. Chris moved to the states in 1937. She graduated from Girard, Kan. High School in 1938 and lived in Pittsburg, Kan from 1945 to 1958.

Chris was a secretary for Leggett and Platt, retiring in 1986. She volunteered in McCune-Brooks Hospital gift shop and was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, a member of the Wesleyan Group at the First United Methodist Church and a Red Cross Volunteer. She loved horses, cats and playing cards.

Chris married R. Patrick Thomas on April 12, 1958. He preceded her in death on Feb. 13, 1971.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Highland Park Cemetery, Pittsburg, Kan. Online condolences may be sent at www.ulmerfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ulmer Funeral Home.